Who we are

In Melbourne, water is essential to our way of life.

As caretakers for Melbourne’s water cycle, and our catchments. We care for water, life, and land throughout Melbourne: both its people and its biodiversity.

Each time you drink from the tap, flush a toilet, or kayak down the Yarra we’re there. Primed and ready, quietly delivering some of the world’s cleanest water for over five million residents and wildlife that call Melbourne home, just as we have for over 130 years.

About the Role

The function of the Lead Operator is to provide leadership and professional expertise in leading a team of field-based operators responsible for ensuring optimal operation of the transfer and treatment systems.  The Lead Operator will also provide a practical hands-on approach utilising operational expertise into planned works, system augmentations whilst supporting the Manager WTP Operations in strategic elements of the team.

• Manage the team under limited supervision, identifying problems and delivering appropriate solutions requiring astute judgment and management of priorities in a role that integrates the team operations into Melbourne Water’s wider sewerage system.
• Manage the operation and maintenance of primary treatment and field-based processes including screening, grit removal, sedimentation tanks, sludge thickening & digestion, gas storage, polymer feed and all associated ancillary equipment.
• Direct and resource daily operation of the WTP primary treatment system and field based operational activities ensuring compliance with Melbourne Water Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental and Public Health objectives.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to prioritise planned and unplanned work including planning and implementation.
• Provide emergency response to system failures, identifying cause and effect, ensuring prompt recovery of operations.
• Manage incidents, record on IRIS, manage debriefs, lead incident investigations and take corrective actions as necessary.
• Provide advice on operational and procedural change to resolve operational failures that may be outside the scope of normal operating conditions or precedent
• Ensure the WTP Operations Team are aware of the appropriate Melbourne Water Health & Safety and Environmental Policies

For more information, please refer to the Position Description

In this role you will be required to be available after hours to respond to any emergencies and any complex issues that may be escalated by the Manager/Duty Manager.

About you:

To be successful in this role you will have a:

• People Leadership and management skills, including the ability to drive, encourage and manage team performance and behaviour including ability to hold difficult conversations when required
• Hold highly developed organisational and time management skills.
• Significant experience in operations, operation of any water, wastewater (primary treatment experience would be highly regarded) or manufacturing plant.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills with Electrical knowledge and understanding would be desirable
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, SCADA systems and operational manuals
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of environmental and safety management systems and procedures
• Experience in using MS office products
• A Criminal Records Check, Pre employment health assessment, AusCheck alongside a Victorian Driver’s License are required for this role.

The role requires the individual to develop and apply techniques and knowledge learnt during training and on the job experience. This role is deemed a qualified Operator, able to operate the plant independently, undertake isolations and issue isolation permits etc.

Why join us:

At Melbourne Water, we care deeply about water and the life it sustains. 

Our team is inspired by passion and purpose, with an unwavering commitment to safety. We are on a mission to protect every Melburnian’s way of life, one drop at a time.

We don’t just talk about flexible working - we live it. Our culture of purpose, safety, results, and learning flows through everything we do. We're dedicated to doing what's right, and this commitment extends to the meaningful work we do in a supportive and inclusive culture that encourages you to make the most of your talents.

Our long-standing commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, Neurodivergent Individuals, people living with disability, mature age and young jobseekers from all cultures can apply with confidence knowing they are safe, affirmed, and celebrated.

If you’re curious, action-orientated, outcomes-focused, and passionate about public resources, community, and the environment, we'd love to receive your application and learn if you could be a great fit. 

How to Apply

Click the 'Apply Now' button below and complete our online application form.

Closing date: Sunday 17^th May 2026 at 11:55pm AEST

As an operator of critical infrastructure, Melbourne Water is required to determine what roles are critical under the Security of Critical Infrastructure (SoCI) Act 2018. The role you are being offered is deemed SOCI critical, you will be required to undertake an AusCheck background check. Your commencement in a SOCI critical role will be dependent on successfully submitting an AusCheck application and attending an in-person ID Verification with a member of the Melbourne Water People & Transformation team. Your probation will be dependent on the satisfactory outcome of a background check via AusCheck.

The AusCheck process is outlined clearly in this presentation provided by AusCheck CI Critical Worker: Getting Started Guide | Rise 360 (articulate.com). Details on obtaining an AusCheck background check will be provided by Melbourne Water People & Transformation Team prior to the commencement of your employment.